Best APS-C Cameras: Ultimate Buying Guide

If you are new to photography, an APS-C camera is a good option to start out with.

This type of camera offers numerous features that are good for the beginner, while offering plenty for those who are more experienced.

They are also less expensive, which makes your initial investment lower than it would be for cameras designed for expert photographers. The good news is that you won’t give up image quality with the lower price point. Determining which camera is the best one to start with can be challenging, as there are a number of options on the market.

We filtered the options down to our three best APS-C cameras available to hopefully make your decision a bit easier!

So What Exactly Is An APS-C Camera?

Let’s start by defining what an APS-C camera is.

APS-C stands for advanced photo system, classic format, and it’s been around since the mid-1990s. The frame size of these cameras is smaller than full frame 35mm cameras. The dimensions of the frame measure 25.1mm x 16.7mm, providing a 3:2 image aspect ratio.

What this means is that the image you see in an APS-C camera is smaller than one captured by a full frame 35mm camera with a lens of the same size. It also means that the sensor will capture less light than full frame options. This is important to remember, as an APS-C Camera may not be the best choice if you're consistantly shooting in very low light situations where image quality is essential.

What Are The Benefits Of An APS-C Camera?

APS-C cameras are available in DSLR body style as well as the newer mirrorless format.

The DSLR cameras, on the whole, tend to be larger and heavier because they use a mirror and optical viewfinder. Mirrorless cameras are smaller and lighter because they do not have a mirror and generally use an electronic viewfinder.

These differences aside, APS-C cameras are smaller and lighter than full frame cameras.

Their size and weight make them more portable and easier to carry, a factor you will appreciate if you start collecting multiple lenses and if you end up hauling your gear on your back over distances.

What Are the Best APS-C Cameras?

Determining what the best APS-C camera is for you depends on what features appeal the most to you for the type of photography you are interested in.

There are a few things to consider when you begin looking for your new camera, and we wanted to make sure that you know what they are.

Armed with this knowledge, you can narrow down your choices, but making a final decision with so many options may still be difficult, so we chose our three best APS-C cameras.

What To Look For In An APS-C Camera

As you begin looking at the numerous brands and models available, there are some important considerations to keep in mind, including:

Price: APS-C cameras tend to have a lower overall price point than full frame cameras but purchasing a camera body is just the beginning. A complete camera system can get expensive, so it is prudent to consider the price of the camera for the features offered.
Size: These cameras are generally smaller than full frame models, but there is still a wide range of sizes available. The same goes for weight. Think about the type of photography you are interested in. For some, size and weight might be critical factors.
Features: ASP-C cameras come with a variety of feature options, and not all of them are going to necessarily be important to you. Make sure you know what you need out of your camera before you shop. Getting a camera loaded with all the best features may sound great, but if it isn’t what you need, you’ll be spending more than is necessary for features you won’t use.
Type: ASP-C cameras come in both DSLR and mirrorless formats. The best APS-C mirrorless camera will cost more than a DSLR, but it may appeal to you if you are looking for something that is really lightweight and produces high quality images.

Overall Best APS-C Camera

Our choice for the best APS-C compact camera is the Pentax KP DSLR Camera.

The sensor produces high quality photos with 24.32 effective megapixels and offers flexibility in ISO settings. Its five-axis shake reduction mechanism and 27-point autofocus system allow you to capture beautiful, sharp photos whether you are shooting close up or panning.

Another great feature of this camera is the aperture and shutter bracketing capability. These are particularly useful for someone just getting into photography. This is a camera that is good for beginners but has enough options and features that you can grow into it.

This means that you won’t have to go looking for an upgrade in the near future!

All Rounder APS-C Camera

If you are looking for a camera that is less expensive than the Pentax KP DSLR but still performs well, you can’t go wrong with the Pentax K-70 DSLR.

This camera is great for those who plan to capture the beauty of the winter landscape. It is built to withstand cold conditions, performing well in temperatures down to -10 degrees Celsius.

It is durable, compact and capable of capturing images in low light. This camera’s 11-point autofocus system performs well, but it isn’t as strong as the Pentax KP due to there being less points which cover less of the frame.

The shake reduction feature and the pixel shift feature do allow you to still capture clear images, without the blur camera shake causes.

Alternative APS-C Camera

We decided to include an alternative camera in this mix because of some great features it offers. The Ricoh GR III Digital Camera has a slim optical system that provides excellent image quality, enhancing the 24mp resolution, for crystal clear sharpness across the entire photo.

Unlike the other options, the lens in this camera is fixed, meaning it cannot be swapped out with a different one. This makes it's use more limited but it also allows the camera to be extremely lightweight and portable

Popular with street and travel photographers looking for all the main features of a DSLR that can also fit in your pocket and go with you almost anywhere. Essentially the same image quality as both the KP and K-70 but sacrifices a bit of utility and versatility in order to remain portable.

If you are ready to purchase a high-quality APS-C camera that is both affordable and functional, look no further than C.R. Kennedy.

C.R. Kennedy is one of Australia’s leading distributors of cameras and photographic equipment. We offer a wide range of DSLR, Mirrorless, Full Frame, and Action Cameras.

If you need more information on lenses and cameras in general, check out more articles on the C.R. Kennedy blog.